Five hospitalized after Sunday afternoon melee

BELOIT—Two Janesville females were among five injured and taken to two area hospitals Sunday afternoon after a melee at a gas station on Shopiere Road.

Security cameras recorded the 3:40 p.m. incident at Citgo, 1888 Shopiere Road, showing two groups of females getting gas in two separate vehicles. A verbal exchange, including some profane remarks, set off the dispute, said Capt. Dan Risse, public information officer at the Beloit Police Department.

Multiple knives were used to slash and stab during the melee, he said.

All females were arrested on charges ranging from battery to disorderly conduct while armed and physical abuse to a child, Risse said.

Arrested were:

-- Courtney L. Howard, 30, of 167 S. Jackson St., Janesville.

-- A 15-year-old Janesville girl.

-- Shelena R. Clark, 24, Beloit.

-- Kaprecias S. Richardson, 24, Beloit.

-- Unique Handley, 18, Rockford, Ill.

Richardson and Handley were together, and the other three women were together, Risse said.

Injuries sustained during the incident were non-life threatening, he said.

All women were treated and released from both hospitals, except Handley, who was admitted at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, Janesville, and discharged Monday.